Sharmina Ahmed1, Maria Makrides2, Nicholas Sim3, Andy McPhee4, Julie Quinlivan5, Robert Gibson6, Wendy Umberger7. 1. Women's and Children's Health Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia; Global Food Studies, Faculty of the Professions, University of Adelaide, Australia. Electronic address: sharmina.ahmed@adelaide.edu.au. 2. Women's and Children's Health Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia; Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. 3. School of Economics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. 4. Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; Neonatal Services, Women's and Children's Health Network, Australia. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia. 6. Women's and Children's Health Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. 7. Global Food Studies, Faculty of the Professions, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Recent research emphasized the nutritional benefits of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy. Based on a double-blind randomised controlled trial named "DHA to Optimize Mother and Infant Outcome" (DOMInO), we examined how omega 3 DHA supplementation during pregnancy may affect pregnancy related in-patient hospital costs. METHOD: We conducted an econometric analysis based on ordinary least square and quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors. Using these approaches, we also examined whether smoking, drinking, maternal age and BMI could influence the effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on hospital costs. RESULTS: Our regressions showed that in-patient hospital costs could decrease by AUD92 (P<0.05) on average per singleton pregnancy when DHA supplements were consumed during pregnancy. Our regression results also showed that the cost savings to the Australian public hospital system could be between AUD15 - AUD51 million / year. CONCLUSION: Given that a simple intervention like DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation could generate savings to the public, it may be worthwhile from a policy perspective to encourage DHA supplementation among pregnant women.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: Recent research emphasized the nutritional benefits of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy. Based on a double-blind randomised controlled trial named "DHA to Optimize Mother and Infant Outcome" (DOMInO), we examined how omega 3 DHA supplementation during pregnancy may affect pregnancy related in-patient hospital costs. METHOD: We conducted an econometric analysis based on ordinary least square and quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors. Using these approaches, we also examined whether smoking, drinking, maternal age and BMI could influence the effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on hospital costs. RESULTS: Our regressions showed that in-patient hospital costs could decrease by AUD92 (P<0.05) on average per singleton pregnancy when DHA supplements were consumed during pregnancy. Our regression results also showed that the cost savings to the Australian public hospital system could be between AUD15 - AUD51 million / year. CONCLUSION: Given that a simple intervention like DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation could generate savings to the public, it may be worthwhile from a policy perspective to encourage DHA supplementation among pregnant women.
Authors: L N Yelland; B J Gajewski; J Colombo; R A Gibson; M Makrides; S E Carlson Journal: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids Date: 2016-08-17 Impact factor: 4.006
Authors: T I Shireman; E H Kerling; B J Gajewski; J Colombo; S E Carlson Journal: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids Date: 2016-05-13 Impact factor: 4.006
Authors: Brian A Juber; Kristina Harris Jackson; Kristopher B Johnson; William S Harris; Michelle L Baack Journal: Int Breastfeed J Date: 2017-01-28 Impact factor: 3.461